Because the City of Elk Grove has submitted a vague and incomplete request to LAFCO for expansion, we believe that LAFCO should deny the SOI request with the following points of consideration:

• Elk Grove has not prezoned the SOI. (Total 7,869 acres: 6,882 acres for urbanization, 987 for non-urbanization) and relies on piecemeal planning at the time of annexation.
• The SOI request should have addressed the following needs and has not:
  • Water quality and availability
  • Housing Needs (Affordable)
  • Economic Growth for a viable community
  • Climate change and impact
  • Jobs/Housing Balance
  • Infill Programs 
• Elk Grove has not evaluated the current retail and industrial vacancy rates.
• There are no redevelopment funds available.
• Elk Grove has been unable to complete the promised mall.
• The City has not historically adhered to their General Plan (Land Use Plan amended 23 times since 2003).
• There is no utilities infrastructure to support the SOI:  no water plan and no transportation plan.
• There must be a habitat plan.  No plan has been completed.
  
• Declining home equity is a major factor to be considered for expansion.  Expansion will continue to erode our current property values.
• Most of the expansion area is covered by the Williamson Act (agricultural land preservation).
• We will lose valuable agricultural land, habitat land, and our agricultural heritage.